Epworth, IA vs Stratford, IA

The cost of living difference between Epworth, IA and Stratford, IA is dramatic. Stratford is 38.6% cheaper than Epworth, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Epworth has a cost index of 78 while Stratford sits at 56, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Epworth is $924/month compared to $580/month in Stratford — a 59% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Stratford is more affordable at $81,100 median vs $229,200.

Median household income in Epworth is $73,571 compared to $40,833 in Stratford (+80.2%). While Epworth is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Epworth spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17% in Stratford.